Whittlesea councillor request denied

The North Central Review

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September 11, 2018

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by Jackson Russell

CITY of Whittlesea councillors have rejected Cr Mary Lalios’ request for a leave of absence following an alleged bully complaint made against CEO Simon Overland.

Cr Lalios took offence to an email sent by Mr Overland to her and copied to all councillors accusing her of inappropriate behaviour at an April meeting with council officers.

Cr Lalios, who has not attended a council meeting since April, sent a letter to council before its Tuesday, September 4 meeting, requesting a leave of absence as she is unable to attend meetings while a WorkCover claim made by her against council is being investigated.

After much discussion and more than an hour of it being discussed in confidential business with a large gallery waiting outside, Cr Lalios’ leave was put to a vote and subsequently declined.

It was also moved that council table a report on an independent investigation into an alleged bullying complaint made by Cr Lalios against CEO Simon Overland.

The Whittlesea Review understands a WorkCover claim made by Cr Lalios has been accepted, while the independent investigation was made by the City of Whittlesea under the Local Government Act.

The motion was carried with Councillors Ricky Kirkham, Norm Kelly and Alahna Desiato in opposition.

The letter sent by Cr Lalios to the acting CEO was read out at the council meeting but not distributed to councillors or recorded in the minutes.

“This report contains material that is both false and defamatory of me and should not be publicly tabled, until such time I have to obtain legal advice and correspond with you further,” the letter said.

“The report should be placed in the confidential part of the agenda to prevent further damage to me and my reputation.

“I have consistently maintained that the complaint under the Local Government Act was not made and I was medically unfit to participate in the interview process.

“Medical evidence was provided in support of my position. Nevertheless, the investigation was conducted in my absence in a denial of natural justice.

“The report contains confidential medical information. I will be considering my legal options.”

The report was compiled by independent investigator, barrister Naomi Lenga.

According to the report, Cr Lalios’ bullying complaint came after Mr Overland sent her an email addressing alleged inappropriate behaviour from Cr Lalios at an April meeting.

Mr Overland’s email was addressed to Cr Lalios, as well as all councillors and council’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

It was alleged that Cr Lalios questioned a council officer in a way that was inconsistent with the Protocol for Councillor and Council Staff Interactions.

According to the report, Cr Lalios’ reply, in which she alleges bullying behaviour towards her, constituted a complaint about the CEO per the Local Government Act.

The reply from Cr Lalios stated, among other things, that it was a breach of her privacy to copy councillors and the ELT in the email about alleged behaviours and alleging her conduct could be viewed as workplace bullying.

Following the complaint, numerous attempts were made to arrange an interview with Cr Lalios as part of the investigation process, all of which she failed to attend.

In her findings, Ms Lenga dismissed the complaint, stating Mr Overland was justified in sending his email and copying all councillors and the ELT, and there is no evidence of bullying.

Probity auditor Frances O’Brien QC found in her report Cr Lalios ‘unreasonably failed to comply with a requirement to provide cogent medical information as to why she could not attend for interview about her complaint and to give reasonable assistance by doing so in a timely manner’.

According to Ms O’Brien’s report, Cr Lalios was asked on six occasions between June 5 and August 10 to supply medical evidence as to why she was incapable of attending a private interview with a support person of her choosing but was able to ‘conduct an extensive public life for the Municipal Association of Victoria including meetings with the Secretary of the Department of Local Government, television interviews and issuing press releases’.

According to the report, on August 20, Cr Lalios supplied written material under conditions which restricted access to only Ms O’Brien and Ms Lenga. She also refused to remove the conditions when asked to do so.

Ms O’Brien’s executive summary said none of the material provided excuses why cogent medical information was not supplied between June 5 and August 22 and council observed due probity in dealing with the complaint.

Sophie heads to the national awards

The North Central Review

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September 4, 2018

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WALLAN Secondary College student Sophie Babycz was crowned the winner in the School Based Apprentice category of the Victorian Training Awards Gala Ceremony in Melbourne.

Sophie is now getting ready to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards (ATA) later this year

“I am look in forward to the judging in Sydney. It will certainly be a big week for me. I still can’t believe that I will be competing against other students from every state in Australia” Sophie said.

Sophie is undertaking her apprenticeship at the Wallan Neighbourhood House and is studying Certificate III in Business with GOTAFE along with her VCE.

Wallan Secondary Collage Careers and Pathways Manager, Brian Howley, said that the school was ‘really proud’ of Sophie and her achievement.

“Sophie is the first student that the college has nominated for a Victorian Training Award and the fact that she has won in her category is a credit to her. She has managed her VCE studies, her school based apprenticeship and a TAFE course – that is a huge workload,” Mr Howley said.

“I am sure that the support that she has received from the Wallan Neighbourhood House, GOTAFE and the Wallan Secondary College has helped her along the way.

“Sophie has also demonstrated the variety of ways that a young person can gain skills that will ready them for future work. We wish her every success in the national judging,” Mr Howley added.

Neighbourhood House coordinator, Pauline Cornish said that the experience of doing a school-based apprenticeship with Wallan Neighbourhood House is extremely rewarding for both Sophie and the Neighbourhood House.

“When the opportunity was presented she jumped at the opportunity to become an SBAT student with us. I am sure that the business skills Sophie is gaining will serve her well in this changing world,” Ms Cornish said.

This year’s Awards featured 13 categories including awards for individuals, employers, industry collaboration and training providers all taking centre stage.

Now in its 64th year the Victorian Training Awards celebrate excellence in the training and TAFE system, showcasing innovation and collaboration between industry and training providers.

Sophie and other category winners will go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards on November 24.

Wandong’s national champ

The North Central Review

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September 4, 2018

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WANDONG Primary School student Kirra Wright has brought home two gold medals from the 2018 School Sports Australia National Championship on the Sunshine Coast.

Kirra won both the 2000m race and 1000m time trial in the 10-year-old multiclass category, which incorporates athletes with various disabilities, at Maleny Gold Course last Saturday, August 25

She won the 2000m in 10:59 and the 1000m time trial with a personal best of 4:24.62.

Kirra said she was shocked when she realised she won and sang to herself while she ran to help get her through the race.

“I was singing Eye of the Tiger because it got me motivated to get to the finish line,” she said.

“I was very excited when I won. I couldn’t wait to get back to school.”

Kirra’s mother Kylie Portelli said she was still coming to grips with her daughter being national champion.

“I wasn’t expecting any gold medals. I just told her to go out, do your best and have fun, that’s all that matters,” she said.

“Kirra was like, ‘I’m going out and getting a gold medal’. I said to just have fun and she said ‘I’ll have fun but I’m winning a gold medal’.

“She was really determined. She said she wanted to do it for Wandong and that was all that was in her head as she was running.”

Kirra was welcomed back to Wandong Primary School with a ticker tape reception, with students lining the path all the way from the front gate to her classroom and showering her with confetti.

She also went around to classrooms to tell fellow students about her trip and the race, had a Q&A session and a special assembly to recognise her achievements.

Wandong Primary School wellbeing coordinator Julie Smith said she school is beyond proud of Kirra.

“It’s been fantastic the response we’ve had from parents, kids and the wider community getting behind Kirra,” she said.

“All the donations people made to help send her up there certainly paid off and we look forward to watching her in the future and no doubt she’ll be in the Paralympics soon.”

Pallets into beautiful things

The North Central Review

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September 4, 2018

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THE Whittlesea Community House is running a free workshop addressing the humble pallet.

The possibilities for the humble pallet are endless as the workshop will prove as participants work on some simple projects to really get them thinking about what is possible.

The community House will supply the pallets. Participants should bring their imagination and willing hands.

Saturday September 8 from 10am to 2.00pm. The workshop is free and bookings are essential.

This workshop is made possible by funding from the City of Whittlesea and is presented in conjunction with Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre.

Council makes federal funding bid

The North Central Review

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September 4, 2018

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FEDERAL Shadow Minister for Sport Don Farrell met with local MPs and council on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of future funding for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

Mr Farrell met with Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges Shire Council representatives in Gisborne on Tuesday about the proposed Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

While the project has already received an election commitment from the state government to fund the first stage of the project, council briefed Mr Farrell and Mr Mitchell on its bid for federal government funding for the precinct.

Mr Farrell said the state government has been one of the most progressive in trying to build new sports facilities.

“We need to acknowledge that work has been done and try to come in and support it,” he said.

“I’m going to take the proposal back to my colleagues and see if we can get support from the opposition so when we come into government, we can support this project.

“These are all really good projects, we obviously have to make some hard calls about what we invest in but we’ve been impressed by both the project itself and the facts that it’s had such terrific support from the state government.”

Earlier this month, the state government promised that if re-elected, it would commit $5.6 million towards the first stage of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

In 2017, the federal government funded a Regional Sports Hub Feasibility Study, forming the indoor component of the precinct, but rejected the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s application for funding in a recent round of the federal Building Better Regions Fund.

Mr Mitchell said it was discouraging to see the precinct miss out of this round of funding, but he and Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters are working together to advocate for the project which will benefit both electorates.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that this project, so supported by the community and all levels of government, was completely ignored during the recent funding announcements via the Building Better Regions Fund – yet again, our community is disregarded,” he said.

“If we start future-proofing our communities and give them the opportunity to have these facilities, we’re going to see more participation in sport, more kids being active, more families being out together, and that’s always a positive.”

Ranges protected

Weather & Environment

The North Central Review

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September 4, 2018

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STRENGTHENED planning controls will see the Macedon Ranges protected from over-development for years to come.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne declared the region a distinctive area under the Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018 on August 16, fulfilling the state government’s election promise.

The highest level of planning controls are now available to protect the rich diversity of environment and cultural treasures in our region including the iconic Hanging Rock, Mt Macedon, the Wombat State Forest and Mt William and the Stone Axe Quarry

Settlement boundaries around townships in the area, including Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Woodend are being finalized and will ensure urban development doesn’t encroach on valued natural landscapes.

Once established, these boundaries will be subject to the same rigorous protections of Melbourne’s permanent Urban Growth Boundary – and can only be altered with the approval of both houses of the Victorian Parliament.

Over 140 people attended community sessions as part of the consultation process. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in consultation with the Macedon Ranges Shire is now finalising the Statement of Planning Policy.

A new Statement of Planning Policy will incorporate feedback, including a clear identification of the local features and areas of state significance to be protected, clear definitions of settlement boundaries, a clearer explanation of the rigorous planning and steps required to change a settlement boundary, incorporation of traditional knowledge and practices for biodiversity and land management, greater consideration for climate change and environmental risks such as bushfire and flooding, and a higher priority on protecting the region’s landscapes, environmental values, and cultural heritage.

The government will continue to work closely with community, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Traditional Owners and key stakeholders to ensure the policy reflects the community’s vision for the future of the Macedon Ranges.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said this will protect the charm and beauty of the Macedon Ranges for generations to come.

“Local residents know and understand this unique area better than anyone and they’ve been at the forefront of shaping the final planning statement,” she said.

“We promised to legislate and we did that. The Macedon Ranges is now a distinctive area, the Macedon Ranges is now protected.

“Planning is complicated, but what we achieved is a Victoria milestone and I’m very proud to have delivered it.”

Safety upgrade for Whittlesea intersection

The North Central Review

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September 4, 2018

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Safety upgrade for Whittlesea intersection

THE Wallan Road intersection in Whittlesea is receiving its much-needed safety upgrade with works commencing last week.

The $2.9 million upgrade to the intersection of Plenty Road and Wallan Road will see traffic lights installed to improve safety and traffic flow.

The improved intersection will also feature pedestrian operated crossings, better street lighting, a dedicated bike lane from Plenty Road to Macmeikan Street and extended footpaths.

Raised platforms will slow drivers on all approaches to the intersection making it safer and reducing the risk of crashes.

Plenty Road is an important north to south link, connecting Greensborough to the south and Whittlesea to the north.

The Plenty Road, Wallan Road, Macmeikan Street and Laurel Street intersection is close to Whittlesea Primary School, residents and local shops and currently operates with give way signs instead of traffic signals.

Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green, inspected the works last week and said that the upgrades will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through the intersection and make it safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

“These improvements will make this busy intersection safer for the thousands of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who rely on it every day,” Ms Green said.

“We know how frustrating it is to be stuck in traffic – that’s why we’re investing in projects like the Yan Yean Road upgrade, Plenty Road upgrade and at this important intersection to improve traffic flow and keep people safe,” She added.

Long-time advocate for the upgrade, Kris Richmond said that the works would finally see a safe environment for the school children who use the crossings each day.

“It has been a long time coming but now the works have commenced we can all look forward to safer roads in this part of Whittlesea she said.

Almost 10,000 drivers pass through this intersection every day and it’s been the scene of six recorded crashes since 2014. Works are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Joining Ms Green to inspect the start of the works were Ms Richmond her son Nat, Whittlesea Primary School principal, Ty Hoggins, students Margaret and Willow and VicRoads project engineers. There were no City of Whittlesea councillors at the event.

BREAKING: Car stolen containing baby

The North Central Review

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August 31, 2018

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UPDATE: Police have released images of the man police believe can assist with their enquiries.

POLICE are currently searching for an offender who stole a car containing an eight-week-old baby this morning (August 31).

Investigators have been told the Hyundai Tucson was taken from the vicinity of a medical centre on Bush Blvd, Mill Park around 10.20am.

The car was later located at a Home Maker Centre at 10.40am on Plenty Road, Mill Park with the baby boy who appears to have been unharmed and asleep in the car.

Police are searching for a man perceived to be Caucasian, with light olive skin, wearing a black t-shirt with white motive on the front, a Khaki coloured baseball cap, sunglasses, grey tracksuit pants, white runners and appears to be carrying a sachel or handbag and has a medium build.

His Last known direction was west from the intersection of McDonalds and Plenty Roads.

Anyone with information is urged to call 000.

Light up Lancefield

The North Central Review

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August 28, 2018

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LANCEFIELD is one of two Macedon Ranges football clubs appealing to the community to back their projects in the state government’s Pick My Project initiative.

Lancefield Football Netball Club is looking for funding to go towards lighting upgrade to light the entire ground and make training nights easier.

Lancefield Oval currently plays host to the Tigers’ seven junior and senior football teams with the five junior teams having to share the ground on Wednesday and Friday nights.

The club is also looking to introduce a women’s football team next season, which would crowd the ground further if the club is unable to upgrade the oval’s lights.

Lancefield president Clark Todd said the current lighting system at Lancefield Oval is a hand-me-down from Essendon Airport the club received more than 20 years ago and doesn’t cover the entire field, leaving a few dark pockets that can’t be trained in.

“It would help if we could use the whole ground effectively. It can be hard to see the ball at night when you’re doing a full-ground session,” he said.

“Some of them have to train in the dark spots. It’s as simple as that, which is less than ideal because you don’t want to get hit in the head by a football because you can’t see.

“It’s something every other oval has got, so why are we left in the dark?”

The cost of a full lighting upgrade has been quoted at nearly $250,000 which means Lancefield Football Netball Club will still need to find the rest of the funding with the Pick My Project funding capped at $200,000 per project.

“We’re looking for somebody to help us with the lot of funding. We’re talking to everybody. I’ve spoken both [Member for Macedon] Mary-Anne Thomas and [Liberal candidate] Amanda Millar,” Mr Todd added.

“We’re working to get funding to cover the shortfall but that’s if we get picked. If we don’t get picked then we’re back to square one again.”

Mernda hits the rails

The North Central Review

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August 28, 2018

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THE Mernda Rail extension, complete with three new stations, opened for passengers last Sunday — six months ahead of schedule.

The $600 million rail extension with three new stations at Mernda, Hawkstowe and Middle Gorge will make it easier for local families to travel.

The new line is the result of almost 18 months of construction work along the rail corridor that has seen around 1,200 construction jobs created and more than 1,800 jobs created in other industries.

More than 100 young apprentices, cadets and trainees have worked on site, many for whom this has been their first role in the industry.

Finishing touches, such as landscaping around the stations, will continue to be made over coming months.

The three new stations are expected to cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, using 2,000 new car parks to help ease congestion along Plenty Road. New shared walking and cycling paths will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options.

Mernda Station will give passengers access to 982 services to the city every week, with two new and seven realigned bus routes connecting passengers with the three new stations on the Mernda line.